When the most popular boxer in the world agrees to face the pound-for-pound best interest is certain to be high. So it comes as no surprise that the Dec. 6 showdown between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao has generated lots of buzz.

But the excitement level that has resulted from this highly anticipated bout could not have been foreseen. Tickets went on sale Wednesday and in a matter of hours were completely gobbled up.

"This is just a reflection of the overwhelming interest in this mega-event and we are extremely delighted that tickets sales were so swift," Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said. "The match-up is one of the best in boxing and will be one of the biggest events the sport has ever seen."

The welterweight fight will be contested at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It is configured to accommodate 16,000 for large-scale boxing events. The nearly $17 million gate generated from ticket sales is boxing's second-highest ever.

"This is fantastic and shows the magnitude and appeal of this event," promoter Bob Arum said. "When you have two superstars like Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya fighting each other, the public is going to respond and that is what they just did. No one wants to miss this one."

De La Hoya, who is heavily favored by most boxing insiders, has a professional record of 39-5-0 with 30 knockouts. But he is just 3-3-0 in his six most recent fights.

At 35 years old, De La Hoya showed signs of slowing down during his unanimous decision win May 3 over diminutive Steve Forbes. That bout was fought at a catch-weight of 150 pounds. Forbes, a former IBF super featherweight champion, had never entered the ring that heavy.

But his elusive style and constant pressuring made it a relatively action-filled fight. And though Forbes lacks significant punching power, he left a few marks on De La Hoya's face.

Forbes' effort was assisted by De La Hoya's sluggishness. On too many occasions, the six-division world champion had difficulty letting his hands go. And he often he failed to avoid punches that in the past he easily eluded.
If De La Hoya fights that way against Pacquiao, a major upset could be in store. Pacquiao will be making his first foray into the welterweight ranks. He has fought just once at lightweight (135 pounds) and that occurred in his most recent bout - a ninth-round TKO of WBC champion David Diaz.

Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) has won eight in a row and has beaten some of the best fighters in the world - including Juan Manuel Marquez, who is ranked No. 3 on The Star-Ledger pound-for-pound list. But Pacquiao has never fought anyone as big or strong as De La Hoya.

Pacquiao's ability to carry the extra weight and take De La Hoya's punches will determine how well he performs. To have any chance of pulling off the upset will require Pacquiao make adjustment to his fighting style. He will have to become more boxer than puncher.